Originally recorded in the late 40’s and 50’s this release is part of a Japanese Music of Hawaii series. For 61 years this orchestra (also called “the smile orchestra”) reigned as the top Hawaiian-Japanese band of their time. The extensive notes tell a fascinating story of post-WWII life for Japanese-Americans. The songs are part traditional Japanese or Okinawan, and part big band and are really interesting, quirky, & cool. Most songs down/midtempo and I liked them all. In the interest of space, I’ll give special mention to:

1. Relaxed w/sweet female vocals & a sense of sadness.
2. Midtempo w/a quirky charm. Male vocals.
3. High female vocals against a big band rumba sound.
4. Cute little duet w/a midtempo lightness.
6. Horns & female vocals in a lazy little love song.
8. Lyrical male vocals in a mid/downtempo ode to home.
11. He let love get away, but he sings nicely about it.
13. Clip-clop percussion back a midtempo duet.
14. Military-themed march backs a midtempo song of parting.
17. A bouncy little song w/horns/strings & vocals.
19. Nicely orchestrated love song w/a sweet sense of romance.
20. Upbeat, energetic, and catchy. Fun.
21. Uptempo, male vocals, bright in spite of the subject.
8/2004